The Playground Blog

Treehouse playground in giant eucalyptus tree. Designed and built by Learning Structures.

Snow-pocalypse pummeled the Mid-Atlantic States last week, and here in the Northeast, the white stuff continues to fall.  However, our playground design team is warmed by visions of upcoming spring playground building that will include fitness trails, school gardens, and tree houses.  In fact, tree houses are increasingly popping up on our playground designs – and for good reason.

Richard Louv, award-winning author of Last Child in the Woods, extols the virtue of tree houses, “I have a soft spot in my heart for tree houses, which have always imparted certain magic and practical knowledge.”  Magic is a great description for these whimsical, elevated spaces.  Louv continues by explaining that his childhood tree house was transformed into a galleon, a spaceship, and even Fort Apache.  There is no limit to imaginative play when a child plays in a tree house!

The view from high above a playground tree house

Natural site elements like trees are encouraged in community-built playground designs.  Playgrounds with decks and towers can be built around a tree, without ever disturbing the tree’s root system, or piercing the tree with harmful fasteners.  Natural, leafy tree canopies provide protection from harmful UV rays on children, and create a cool playground get-away from the sun.

Don’t let a playground company talk you into a stark, flat, treeless site for your playground.  Retaining natural elements like trees on your playscape will bring children closer to nature and play.  Despite all the snow this season — you’ll be warmed by visions of tree houses, too.